Bluebell Railway

About

The volunteer-run Bluebell Line was the UK's first preserved standard gauge passenger railway, re-opening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London Brighton & South Coast Railway in 1960. Since then it has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex, yet it still remains true to its objectives of the preservation for posterity of a country branch line, its steam locomotives, coaches and goods stock, signalling systems, stations and operating practices.

The Railway was one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country commencing train services in August 1960. As a result we have one of the finest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages many of which were preserved straight out of service from British Railways.

Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes and Kingscote stations were all built in traditional 'Queen Anne' style in 1882 by the London Brighton and South Coast Railway and have all, especially Horsted Keynes, been seen regularly on television and in films, including Downton Abbey, Muppets Most Wanted movie and Churchhill's Secret. Our station at East Grinstead is adjacent to the Southern Railway station and Sainsbury's superstore.

2017 Events

Diesel Gala - 31st March - 2nd April

Flying Scotsman visit -  13^th – 19^th April

Collectors Fair - 29th April

Bluebell Specials - 2nd - 5th and 8th - 10th May

Branch Line - 13th and 14th May

Bright Bricks Build It Day - 27th and 28th May

Model Railway 24th - 25th June

Craft and Food Festival - 1st and 2nd July

Collectors Fair - 29th and 30th July

Seaside Weekend - 19th and 20th August

Steam Through the Ages - 23rd and 24th September

Hallowe'en Scream Train - 27th October

 

Bluebell Railway, November 2016.